I am so excited on behalf of William & Mary Class of 2019. Welcome to the Tribe, guys! I can't wait to be back on campus with everyone tomorrow.

Some advice for my baby Griffins:

1. Go to the silly orientation events. I met some of my best friends during them, and we bonded over how dumb they all were. It gives you a common experience and connection, a silly moment to look back on years later. "Oh my god, YOU were in the group of dudes that serenaded the girls in our hall!?" "You were that kid my friend accidentally hit really hard in Ninja on the Sunken Gardens" "YES I AGREE THE FOOD THAT DAY WAS SO BAD AND I ALSO CRIED DURING REVELEY'S SEND OFF SPEECH." Don't be super negative and grumpy, but you can laugh at how lame it is and have fun regardless.

2. Establish roommate rules. Living with your roommate is more important than being friends with them (though like, being friends with your roommate is awesome as well). 

Things to consider for your roommate agreement:

How often trash should be taken out, and any exceptions (We agreed whenever our own trashes got full, but that food trash and ESPECIALLY banana peels should be taken out asap. If it smells, take it out) Consider a "dirty dishes wait time" rule, too. But don't be a pig.

When Skyping is okay, especially if one of you is in a long distance relationship. Respect the need to communicate, but remember you can't really sleep anywhere else.

Food policy. Do you want to share? Do you REALLY want to share? I recommend an "ask first policy" unless you want your roommate eating all your fruit snacks and cream cheese. If they share with you a lot though, get something they like and return the favor! Colleen and I shared cheese and chocolate a lot. 

What to do if roommate wants private time. I recommend you send each other "Hey, can I have the room until -time- please?" with a bit of time BEFORE you strip naked, in case they need to grab homework or their laptop or glasses real quick. This is better than just locking the door or leaving a sock on the handle because your roommate doesn't have to walk all the way back to find out they are sexiled. DO lock your door though, please.

When it is appropriate to have lights on. Consider getting ready for morning classes, staying up late, desk lights. Do not pull all nighters in your room with a bright desk light constantly. Every once in awhile is probably fine, but go to an academic building or Swem if this is a regular occurrence. 

Company rules and music rules. Don't be loud and disturb your neighbors, either. And don't watch movies really loud at 3am when the walls are thin and it is a Monday night during finals week because everyone will hate you.

3. Go the the Williamsburg Farmer's Market at least once. It is on DoG (Duke of Gloucester) Street, and it's on Saturdays from 8:00am-12:00pm until October. Buy pie from Simply Southern Pies, get a fork, and eat it with friends. Rave about how delicious it is and how full you are because you ate too much pie. Missing your dogs at home? GO TO THE FARMER'S MARKET. Lots of people bring their dogs and you can pet them and they are all such cuties. Some stalls are gluten free and a few give out samples, but it is an awesome experience you should take advantage of this fall. (http://williamsburgfarmersmarket.com/about/)

4. Check out the Goodwill on Richmond Road; they give a student discount if you show your student ID. A lot of out of state students don't feel like bringing all their clothes home and just donate them. Good variety, modern styles, generally clean. Messy art project? Goodwill. Halloween costume? Goodwill (make your own or people donate costumes). Need silverware or mugs? Goodwill. It can be a fun trip especially if you go with friends. Take the trolley or walk.

5. Decorate your room. Make it feel like home and lived in. I like bringing photographs and hanging up my art projects throughout the year. There will be a Poster Sale in Sadler early in the year too, so you can pick up something there. I also recommend walking down to Ace Hardware and grabbing some paint samples. I wrote quotes on a lot of single color ones and taped them up, then made calendars out of the gradient color strips.

6. IF YOU FEED PEOPLE THEY WILL LIKE YOU. Do this early in the year when people are really looking for their own group. Make pancakes with your roommate or something and tell people they are free. Invite people to movie nights, or go to them and bring popcorn. Offer people snacks when they visit your room. It is A, positive reinforcement, and B, a good way to meet people and initiate conversations. Don't be afraid to reach out. People like new friends, and a lot of TWAMPS (typical william and mary people) are socially awkward and afraid to reach out themselves; be friendly.

And finally, 7. Don't be afraid to try new things. Classes, clubs, parties, food, places, people. Psychology of Art & Aesthetics looks interesting? Register! Harry Potter Club (Wizmug) look like your ideal group of nerds? Join and get sorted! That weird looking thing at Sadler smells good but you're not sure? Try it; if you don't like it throw it out. Your friend conspires to buy small inflatable boats with 120lb weight limits, some toy shovels as paddles, and two orders of Chipotle then paddle out on the lake with snacks to watch a concert with a new view? Test the boats first, assure yourself that they can TOTALLY handle more than 120lbs, pile in with your burrito bowl and enjoy the music. Just make sure you bring spoons or you will have to make one out of the tin foil lid. Seriously, some of my best and most hilarious memories at college were new and a little hairbrained. Just like, stay safe and don't break the law. Or do, but don't get caught.

Best of luck, welcome to the Tribe, and I hope you have a wonderful first year!

BABY WILLIAM & MARY ART MAJOR GRIFFIN

lol green and gold u nerd

GO TRIBE